Douluo: AFK to Become a God

"The world is so beautiful, yet you're so irritable. That's not good, not good at all~."

Seeing Qian Renxue about to explode, Chu Chengzhou shook his head and sighed.

"Hmph. If you're not afraid of death, then go ahead and speak. My grandfather will never let you live!"

Qian Renxue coldly snapped.

"Oh? Your grandfather? Tell me—could there be a possibility that he sees how handsome I am, how extraordinary my talent is, and given that you and I are already on good terms, he won't kill me at all but instead drag me back to marry you?"

Chu Chengzhou stroked his chin.

Qian Renxue: "…"

Wait… that… wasn't entirely impossible? After all, aside from her grandfather, she was the only member of the Angel Clan left—and she was a woman.

No no, impossible. Grandpa loves me too much. How could he hand me over to a scoundrel like him?!

"Chu Chengzhou, there is no real hatred between us. In fact, I once admired you a lot, always treating you like a sworn brother. Even if we can't remain brothers, we can still be like brother and sister."

Qian Renxue pushed away her messy thoughts, speaking sternly.

"See, that's just it. I've always thought of Xue Qinghe as my good brother. But to preserve that bond and keep it unbroken, I've decided we need a child together—as a safeguard!"

Chu Chengzhou pounded his chest.

"!!!"

Qian Renxue's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at the shameless man.

"Don't get angry or start cursing just yet. Hear me out first!"

Patting her shoulder, Chu Chengzhou went on, "From what I know, the former Pope of Spirit Hall once had a daughter, but she was said to have died young. That was you, wasn't it?"

Qian Renxue nodded. When she came to the Heaven Dou Empire to carry out her undercover mission, Spirit Hall had spread the news of her "death" to avoid leaks.

"Your father has long since fallen. So the Angel Clan of Spirit Hall now only has your grandfather and you, correct?"

Again, Qian Renxue nodded.

The Angel Clan never had many descendants. With the Seraphim martial spirit, their talent was exceptional—every member who survived childhood eventually became a Title Douluo, and few were below rank 95. If they'd been numerous, the entire continent might already belong to them.

"Your grandfather is old, hardly about to start a new branch of the family. As the only heir, for the clan's sake you'll have to find a good match and bear children.

"And since you and I are already brothers in name, why let an outsider take that role? Why not me? Besides, I already said—the child can take your surname."

Chu Chengzhou coaxed earnestly.

Hearing this, Qian Renxue actually felt a flicker of temptation.

He wasn't wrong. The Angel Clan's two-thousand-year legacy must not end with her. Among her peers, there were many prodigies, but none that truly caught her eye.

And if the child bore her surname and awakened the Seraphim martial spirit, her grandfather would surely rejoice.

No! What was she thinking? This scoundrel is no proper husband!

Expressionless, she stared at him coldly.

She knew if she kept arguing, she'd lose against his shameless tongue. Better to stay silent—let the air freeze. Even the most brazen man had limits.

But to her surprise, the next moment Chu Chengzhou slipped back into his gentlemanly manner and spoke seriously.

"My little angel, do me a favor?"

He knew well the phrase "too much is as bad as too little." Mentioning a child was enough to plant the idea—no need to push. A casual reminder each meeting would keep it alive.

"A favor? What kind of favor?"

The sudden shift left Qian Renxue a little stunned, though relieved. At least the awkwardness faded.

"Lately my strength has grown. I plan to collect some interest from the Star Luo Empire. Help me track the movements of their royal experts."

…

Later, after their meal and agreement, Chu Chengzhou left the Heaven Dou Hotel and headed to Moon Pavilion.

At the entrance, the same two blue-clothed youths who once stopped him now greeted him respectfully. Times had changed—they knew he was the Pavilion Master's guest, calling her "Sister Yuehua."

"Steward Aude, where's Sister Yuehua?"

Chu Chengzhou asked as soon as he stepped inside.

"Master Chu, today the Pavilion Master's nephew has come to visit. She is hosting him upstairs on the fifth floor."

The steward in purple replied.

'Tang San?'

Chu Chengzhou blinked in surprise. He'd studied noble etiquette and music here for half a year but never once met Tang San. Could it be Tang San had already returned from Slaughter City? No—that seemed too early. Likely he had just finished learning hammer techniques from Tang Hao and came to see his aunt before leaving.

"Please wait a moment, Master Chu. I'll send someone to inform the Pavilion Master."

…

On the fifth floor, Sister Yuehua was chatting warmly with her nephew Tang San.

Suddenly a maid called from below, "Pavilion Master, Young Master Chu has come to visit!"

'Little brother Chu?'

Sister Yuehua raised her brows slightly, then after a pause replied, "Let him up."

After all, she was entertaining her nephew in her private space. Turning Chu Chengzhou away at the door would seem rude. And since he was about Tang San's age, it might even be good for them to meet.

"Auntie, who is this Chu fellow?"

Tang San asked curiously.

Sister Yuehua smiled. "Xiao San, you know him too—he's Chu Chengzhou."

"Chu Chengzhou? Auntie, you're quite close with him?"

Tang San frowned.

Although Tang San bore no real grudge against Chu Chengzhou, he couldn't explain why—he just found the man insufferable.

Of course, this had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that during the Soul Master Tournament he had been thoroughly crushed by Chu Chengzhou, nearly losing his life in the process. Absolutely no relation at all.

"He studied noble etiquette and music here in Moon Pavilion. Barely counts as my disciple, I suppose."

"Noble etiquette and music?"

Tang San blinked in surprise.

As much as he disliked Chu Chengzhou, he had to admit the man was one of the rarest geniuses on the continent. Even Tang San himself, armed with multiple high-quality spirit bones, had lost to him.

And yet such a prodigy soul master would bother with things that barely strengthened one's combat ability?

"When you come out of that place, you'll understand."

Seeing the confusion in his nephew's eyes, Tang Yuehua explained softly.

"What? Aunt, are you saying… he already came out of Slaughter City?"

Tang San's eyes widened.

Unlike in the original timeline, ever since his martial soul awakening, Tang San had been raised almost entirely by Tang Yuehua.

In his heart, Tang Yuehua was not only his aunt, but had also played the role of mother for many years.

Now that he was about to leave for Slaughter City for his trial, with no set return date, of course he had told her.

Though he hadn't been there himself, Tang San had heard enough from his father Tang Hao's fragmented words to know that Slaughter City was no simple place.

Tang Hao had said before: in a thousand years, countless soul masters had entered Slaughter City, yet only eight had ever successfully walked out alive. And among them, the title of "Slaughter God" in this generation belonged only to him and Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong.

Both his father and Bibi Dong were truly among the strongest on the continent.

So what virtue, what ability did Chu Chengzhou have, to be ranked alongside them as one of the current generation's Slaughter Gods?

"That's right. He did gain the Slaughter God Domain.

Little San, remember this—Spirit Hall is not only our Clear Sky Sect's mortal enemy, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect stands against them as well.

And Chu Chengzhou, being Ning Fengzhi's prospective son-in-law, can be considered half a member of the Seven Treasures Sect. You and he are natural allies. Befriending him will only bring benefits, never harm."

Tang Yuehua nodded as she spoke.

Back before the Clear Sky Sect sealed itself away, everyone in the sect, including herself, had scoffed whenever Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasures Sect spoke of the "Three Upper Sects standing united."

The Seven Treasures Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were one thing—but how could they be compared to the Clear Sky Sect's level? Same breath? Same rank? Nonsense. The number one sect under heaven didn't need anyone's help.

But after that incident over a decade ago, when the Clear Sky Sect's strength and influence plummeted, the sect's stance changed overnight.

Spirit Hall had gone too far! Sect Master Ning had been right—the Three Upper Sects must indeed stand together!

"I understand."

Tang San nodded solemnly.

Spirit Hall's power was vast. The road of vengeance would be long and arduous. Allies were necessary.

Before long, footsteps drifted up from below.

"Sir Chu, the mistress is upstairs. We may not go further."

A maid led Chu Chengzhou to the staircase from the fourth floor to the fifth, then stopped.

Waving casually, Chu Chengzhou ascended toward the fifth floor.

The fifth floor of Moon Pavilion was Tang Yuehua's private space. Despite studying here for half a year, he had never set foot there. Today, he finally would—perhaps thanks to the presence of his "nephew" Tang San.

Tang San: Nephew? Who's your nephew? Do you have a death wish?!

On the fifth floor, Chu Chengzhou looked around. The top hall of Moon Pavilion was spacious, its décor far more refined than the lower levels.

Every piece of furniture was carved from priceless aloeswood, worth more than gold, filling the hall with a faint fragrance.

The atmosphere was calm, elegant, serene—no gaudy luxury, just a tranquil aroma that soothed the heart.

At the center table sat Tang Yuehua in a silver palace gown, and Tang San in blue robes, his hair the same striking shade.

"One day apart feels like three autumns. Sister Yuehua, you've grown even more beautiful! Brother Tang San, long time no see."

Chu Chengzhou stepped forward with a smile, greeting them both.

"Brother Chu."

Tang San responded flatly with a nod.

"Little Brother Chu, don't flatter me so. I've always been the same. Come, sit!"

Tang Yuehua smiled warmly, rising to pour him a cup of tea.

Little Brother Chu? Sister Yuehua?

Hearing his aunt's address, Tang San suddenly realized something—Chu Chengzhou, who was of the same generation as him, actually addressed his aunt as Sister Yuehua?

If his aunt and Chu Chengzhou called each other brother and sister, didn't that make him one generation lower by default?

Wait a moment… wasn't this Chu Chengzhou notorious for being a flirt? More than one girlfriend already, if rumors were true.

His aunt was still single despite her age—don't tell him this shameless fellow was scheming to become his uncle?!

Tang San's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Chu Chengzhou.

"Hm? Brother Tang San, what's the matter?"

Noticing Tang San's stunned expression, Chu Chengzhou asked in puzzlement.

"N-no, it's nothing…"

Tang San waved his hand. It was only a suspicion, and he couldn't voice it—lest his aunt scold him to no end.

"Little Brother Chu, Little San—you two are peers. As young men, you should spend more time exchanging ideas."

Tang Yuehua said with a gentle smile.

"Of course! Sister Yuehua, in fact, I've invented a new form of noble etiquette. I came today to consult you on whether it might be suitable."

Glancing sidelong at Tang San, Chu Chengzhou answered quickly, then turned back to Tang Yuehua.

Confucius said: Review the old and you'll understand the new—then you can be a teacher. Nephew Tang San, this uncle's seat is already mine for the taking!

"Oh? What sort of etiquette?"

Tang Yuehua asked curiously.

"Sister Yuehua, why don't I demonstrate directly?"

Chu Chengzhou suggested with a smile.

"Very well."

Tang Yuehua nodded, intrigued.

After all, Moon Pavilion was the empire's foremost academy of noble etiquette. As its mistress, she trained nobles in the very standards that defined the aristocracy.

If a new form of etiquette had appeared—especially one that embodied grace—of course she wished to see it.

With a faint smile, Chu Chengzhou rose and stepped in front of Tang Yuehua, extending his right hand politely.

Though puzzled, Tang Yuehua smiled and placed her jade-like hand in his, assuming it must be some variation of a handshake.

But what came next stunned her.

Before her and Tang San's watchful eyes, Chu Chengzhou lifted her soft hand and pressed a kiss upon it.

Tang San froze in disbelief, and Tang Yuehua's eyes went wide, composure shattered.

"Sister Yuehua, this is called a hand-kiss. In my view, it is a polite greeting between male and female friends to show warmth—much like a hug among close kin."

Releasing her hand, Chu Chengzhou explained with apparent sincerity.

Seeing his earnest expression, Tang Yuehua felt her suspicion ease. Perhaps it truly was nothing but etiquette—though one she found difficult to accept.

But Tang San thought very differently.

This brazen man was openly taking advantage of his aunt—clearly scheming to become his uncle!

I, Tang San, will never allow a womanizing scoundrel like Chu Chengzhou to marry into my family!

His fury blazed as he glared at Chu Chengzhou, itching to flay him alive.

Were it not for his aunt's years of teaching him aristocratic restraint, he would already have leapt forward to challenge the man.

"Ahem… Little Brother Chu, while I admit it is elegant, I don't believe this 'hand-kiss' is suitable as etiquette."

Tang Yuehua cleared her throat, embarrassed.

"Ah, what a pity. If even the hand-kiss won't do, then a cheek-to-cheek greeting would be even less suitable."

Chu Chengzhou sighed dramatically.

Cheek-to-cheek?

Tang Yuehua's expression darkened. Did he mean literally pressing faces together? Why not call it a kiss on the cheek, or even a kiss on the lips?!

"Brother Chu, since the tournament we haven't crossed paths. Would you grant me a spar?"

Tang San, suppressing his anger, cupped his fists toward Chu Chengzhou.

This was intolerable!

Hiding behind the name of etiquette to molest his aunt—Tang San would teach him a lesson.

Back at the Soul Master Tournament, his defeat was only due to carelessness.

Now that his hammer technique had advanced, it was time to test it—on Chu Chengzhou himself.

As for exposing his twin martial souls?

So what? He had already made himself an enemy of Spirit Hall. With the Clear Sky Hammer and his father backing him, even if the truth came out, no one could touch him.

And though he wouldn't go for the kill, giving Chu Chengzhou a good thrashing was unavoidable.

T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle